Georgia, Tbilisi, Feb. 6/ Trend , N. Kirtskhalia/
Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili met with the heads of insurance companies today. He said health insurance must be improved.
The president recalled a case when doctors refused to treat a young man with a faulty insurance policy. The young man died as a result.
"His family did their best to treat him. But he died," Saakashvili said.
The president said the family sold everything they owned to pay for his treatment. They then turned to their insurance company for support. But the company refused to pay for formal reasons.
"The company could not pay for formal reasons, but I support the family. There are numerous such cases. Insurance has also saved many lives. The activities of insurance companies and health care institutions must be coordinated," he said.
Saakashvili said doctors who earn 40 lari in hospitals are not interested in working conscientiously.
"Therefore we decided to introduce a new insurance package which will enable every citizen to enjoy 8,000 laris in health insurance for 20 lari per year. Though the crisis has not yet reached Georgia, the citizens have responsibility on their shoulders. The government is taking this step to help the people," he added. He said insurance companies will advertise the package across the country.
"We should take steps to prevent fraud, corruption and cheating. We must resolve all these issues together. No one should feel deserted," Saakashvili said. He added that he is ready to cooperate with insurers.